Nickel vs. Regular Brass

**MMH** · October 23rd, 2017, 06:58 AM

I have always preferred non-nickel brass. Never had a reason, just preferred it. I know the argument has been corrosion protection, but I have not ever had any problem w/ corrosion.

Seems like the price for used brass is about 25% for nickel, at least for 45 ACP.

Any downside in nickel?

**Iron Sights** · October 23rd, 2017, 09:08 AM

I had some .357 that split when I tried to crimp them.

**Sgt.K** · October 23rd, 2017, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by MMH

I have always preferred non-nickel brass. Never had a reason, just preferred it. I know the argument has been corrosion protection, but I have not ever had any problem w/ corrosion.

Seems like the price for used brass is about 25% for nickel, at least for 45 ACP.

Any downside in nickel?

I got my hands on about 1000 pieces of nickel .45 ACP, some of which have now been reloaded at least 5 times. I have carbide dies and they don't complain, though I need just a *hair* more oomph on the lever for the resizing die.

If you shoot in sandy environments it's easier to see nickel on the ground than brass, especially if you only tumble your brass for "clean" and not "shiny".

So, other than price, no real down side.

Worth the price? Hard to say, I got mine free.

My 2¢

**Bang** · October 23rd, 2017, 11:56 AM

Oddly, my experience with .38 SPL cases is opposite. Running brass thru the carbide die takes a certain feel. The same pressure applied to a nickel case is too much. Nickel plated .38 Spl brass is slicker than snot. That brings me to wonder about the case's ability to maintain a hold on the chamber wall during firing. If it slips easier (sooner) it may have an effect on the battering component of firing a round, or translate to wearing of chambers. Never saw anything about this, just thoughts...

**Steve in PA** · October 23rd, 2017, 03:34 PM

I've reloaded a lot of nickel .357 Magnum brass......never an issue. I'm also loading Federal 7-30 Waters brass in nickel with no issues.

**ExFlyinguy** · October 23rd, 2017, 03:40 PM

This might be a stupid idea, but most of my nickle comes from carry ammo, therefore when I reload carry bullets I put them in the nickle stuff.

**Sgt.K** · October 23rd, 2017, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by ExFlyinguy

This might be a stupid idea, but most of my nickle comes from carry ammo, therefore when I reload carry bullets I put them in the nickle stuff.

If I reloaded carry ammo, I would certainly use nickel.

**Yoder** · October 24th, 2017, 06:35 AM

It's great if you want to spend more money and have your cases crack sooner. They are very shiny.

**Brick** · October 24th, 2017, 05:54 PM

Haven't noticed a down side to nickeled over brass. In fact I have some nickeled cases that have been reloaded so many times half the nickel has been worn off. On the plus side I find the nickeled stuff to be easier to find after shooting.

**shooter357** · November 1st, 2017, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Brick

Haven't noticed a down side to nickeled over brass. In fact I have some nickeled cases that have been reloaded so many times half the nickel has been worn off. On the plus side I find the nickeled stuff to be easier to find after shooting.

Same here. I have reloaded nickel plated casings in rifle and pistol several times and in the .38 spl, some of the nickel is wearing through. Nickel plated seems to hold up as long as brass and are easier to find on the ground when dropped or shot.